Iranian MPs Debate about Questioning Ahmadinejad

Service : Politic

TEHRAN, July 15 (ICANA) – The motion to question President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is still under scrutiny because some official sources say 12 MPs of the 100 who signed the motion have withdrawn their names. Others put the number at 30. If the second group is right, then there will be few MPs in support of keeping the motion alive at the Parliament.

Friday, July 15, 2011 12:48:20 PM

Under the Iranian Constitution, at least a quarter of MPs or 72 must back a move to summon the president for questioning.

Ali Motahari, the chief instigator of the move, presented the Presiding Board of Parliament with a petition reportedly signed by 100 MPs. A critic of Ahmadinejad, Motahari says it is too early to say for certain that the motion has lost support.

The motion cites the president's alleged administrative irregularities, his refusal to implement certain legislations; and his 11-day absence from office without explanation. President Ahmadinejad has rejected any irregularities in his administration.

The Presiding Board of Parliament has reportedly said it will speak with Motahari, the chief instigator of the plan, to seek an end to the motion.

But experts say it is normal to bring the president in for questioning because it's all about democracy and the constitutional right of the Parliament.

If 72 MPs back the move, President Ahmadinejad must then appear before the Parliament within a month of being summoned unless lawmakers revoke their petition.